The Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua team’s try scoring ability coupled with their ruthless defence were the key components in their 27-12 win over Queensland Reds in the Su­per W competition on Saturday.

The Reds dominated the game in the first half with 80 per cent pos­session but managed to score five points.

On the other hand the Drua had just 20 per cent possession in the first half while the Reds attempted to control proceedings with their scrum.

The hosts failed to convert that advantage into points, while the Drua instead crossed their tryline twice in that first half.

According to Drua captain, Bitila Tawake, the team stuck to their game plan.

“We had a plan to score tries and we achieved that goal,” Tawake said.

“The girls did a good job, but still more to work on.

“We know the game next week against the Force will be tough, we’re definitely looking forward to that game.”

Our women had made 144 tackles in the first half which showed the class of their defensive line speed rushing up to close space and forc­ing the Reds into making mistakes.

Player ratings (/10)

1. Bitila Tawake- Captain coura­geous, led from the front and was ruthless in defence and attack. Good in scrums as she contained her experienced opponent: 8
2. Vika Matarugu- Good running game with some heavy carries kept the Reds defensive line busy: 6
3. Joma Rabuti- Assisted Tawake well upfront, some good carries with strong defensive work: 6
4. Jade Coates– Played a crucial role in the game, linked up well in the game plan, good defensive work and scored a try: 7
5. Doreen Narokete- Great game from the youngster was in the thick of things during the game, paired up well with Coates in the scrum and scored a try: 7
6. Jiowana Sauto- Not much ac­tion from the flanker after she copped an injury early in the game: N/A
7. Ema Adivitaloga- A havoc in the Reds attack, played a gutsy game in the ruck areas turning the ball over seven times: 8
8. Sereima Leweniqila- Leweni­qila played her natural game, she was physical and direct with her carries. She was combative at the breakdown throughout the match: 6
9. Reijieli Uluinayau- She started well and provided great service to her outside players.

Chose her moments to snipe from the base of the ruck and was al­ways there to back up on the in­side: 6

10. Merewalesi Rokouono- Looked dangerous early, challeng­ing the line and finding gaps be­tween defenders.

She showed some silky skills but her biggest strength was her abil­ity to control the game and build points: 7

11. Kolora Lomani– Played a quite game after last week’s game and was always in support and assisted a try: 5
12. Vani Arei- Good debut, stood tall in attack and defence: 6
13. Raijieli Laqeretabua- Started well in adapting to the attacking shape, good running lines and set up a try: 6
14. Vitalina Naikobe- Brilliant game and finishing from the winger, showing good speed and strength to score two tries: 8
15. Roela Radiniyavuni- The Olym­pian showed class from full back, was always a threat with her elu­siveness and quick turn of pace setting up tries: 9

Reserves

16. Keleni Marawa- N/A
17. Silo Togotoru- Came on and assisted in the scrum: 5
18. Mereoni Namositava– Came on early to replace Sauto and was re­lentless with good work rate on the ruck areas: 6
19. Akosita Ravato- Good game with great game awareness: 5
20. Karalaini Naisewa-Played a grand game, with good offloads and carries: 7
21. Rusila Tamoi- Came on in the last 20 minutes and fired up the Drua attack with good balls: 6
22. Timaima Ravisa- Controlled the tempo of the game well in the last 20 minutes: 5
23. Leonie Burnes- N/A

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj